Off the Shelves Podcast

Welcome to the episode that almost didn’t happen because… um… well, Deb is not a computer genius. Luckily, ChatGPT is, thanks Chatty. This week, we read our first thriller, and it was perfection: Tiffany Crum’s debut novel, This Story Might Save Your Life, a story about two podcasters, their friendship, a stalker, narcolepsy, and survival. And, of course, we’re sharing some yard woes, podcasts you...

Hey there! This week we’ve got music, shopping regrets, and a book that is asking more of us than we agreed to give. We’ll report back if we make it through.

This week we read A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, a book, a series, and  a full-blown cultural phenomenon with a very devoted following. The entire ACOTAR series is banned in Utah schools, so naturally we had to read it and see if we can figure out why and whether we agree. Our girls stop by and confirm they are, in fact, smarter than we are, and you know we’ve got a few product favo...

It’s our first movie review—do you have snacks? You know we do. This week, we hit the theater on opening night for the movie adaptation of Project Hail Mary. Have you read it… or seen it yet?

This week we wandered outside our usual reading lane and picked up Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Carey was fully in her element with the math and science, while Deb laughed out loud and cried a little, which feels both on brand and fitting for a book about saving humanity. We also get into the strange cultural badge of honor that is being busy, our complicated relationship with true crime podcas...

It's a dark and funny one this week folks. We need your opinions, do you line or do you hover, let us know! 

Remember that fangirl moment Carey had in New York? We’ve finally read the book by the author responsible for her joy: Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood. “A delicious read,” according to Deb. It’s not banned, but Atwood’s work frequently is, which makes this memoir a perfect fit for our show. We’re also sharing our zodiac signs and, frankly, we’re both a little stunned by the acc...

Hi hello. This week our girls make a surprise appearance and deliver some unexpected ASMR. The Winter Olympics wrapped and we have questions. Specifically about curling. Is it strategy? Is it cheating? Is it suspicious? We don’t know. But we have thoughts. Plus, we’re listing a few things that are deeply, annoyingly overrated. If you’re easily offended, maybe stretch first. Let’s go.

It’s a banned book week, and we’re discussing The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. It’s a quick read, haunting and eerily close to Plath’s own lived experience. Some call it a pseudobiography. We call it unforgettable. Please take care while listening. This episode includes discussion of mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, you can cal...

The game? Meh. The ads? Tragically mid. And as two marketers, we feel personally victimized by both. Carey proposes that we make Read a Book in the Bath Day a recognized holiday while Deb is fresh back from an impromptu trip to Florida. 

This week we’re reading one of Deb’s all time favorite books, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. It’s a late night recording session, so fair warning, one of us might not be firing on all cylinders. Carey gets harassed by agro political canvassers, Deb picks a fight with AI, and somehow we still manage to talk about literature. pour a drink, get comfortable, and let’s chat. Dinner? Sorry folks...

Come in, sit down and let's talk about TikTok’s new terms of service, Elizabeth Smart’s latest documentary, Botox and aging gracefully, and the very hungry energy demands of AI. A little culture, a little beauty, a little tech anxiety, we've got a lot to say.    

Welcome to our podcast where we actually talk about books. Shocking, we know. Our first banned book of 2026 is John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, and we’re not going to lie, it took some stamina to get through. Pour yourself a hot cup of coffee and join us. We’re also sharing what we’ve been influenced to buy, what’s for dinner, and plenty of our usual chit chat. Library Bill of Rights https://...

It’s 2026 and we’re back with our first JT episode of the year. We’re easing into January with some new year goals, more TV talk, a fun story from Carey’s past, and a little post-holiday blues chat. Just the kind of catch up we needed.

Did you miss us? We’re back. Kicking off the new year with Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, a deliciously unsettling, backwards murder mystery where you already know who did it… just not why, or whether they’ll actually get away with it. As always, we’ve got you covered with dinner ideas, a post-holiday catch-up, and a very long detour into television. Is Off the Shelves becoming a streaming seri...

Happy holidays, friends! For our final episode of the year we went big, like beast-level banned-book big, George Orwell's 1984. Tune in for some truly shocking commentary. Don’t worry, we’ll be back in the new year with fresh books, new recipes, and all the usual chatter you never asked for but keep coming back for. From ours to yours: Happy Holidays and best wishes for a safe, healthy New Year.  ...

Episode 6 is here and we're in a post holiday glow. We talk food, shopping fails, debate if it's a jacket or coat, and Carey wonders how we're even friends. Want the answer? You'll have to listen. 

Oh hey, it’s Tuesday and Thanksgiving week which means holiday season is officially ON. We’re talking dogs and old age, a dramatic spider encounter, and yes—there’s a book. Who picked it? Unclear. Deb swears it was her because Fredrik Backman is one of her forever favs. On deck: My Friends—a gorgeous story of art, friendship, loss, and connection. Grab a hot drink, flip on the twinkle lights, and...

Episode 5 of our mini-series: the one where we basically eat our way through New York (but wish we'd had more time). Plus, one of us has a certified fangirl moment and one of us has to walk double-time to keep up.  Press play, we saved you a seat.

The book picked Deb this week — The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner (and no, it’s not banned). What started as a casual read turned into a full-on spiral about justice, humanity, and why Kushner might just be a genius. In between, we’re catching up on life — from our upcoming New York trip (Carey’s got a Louie V situation brewing) to coffee obsessions and emotional detours we didn’t see coming. It’s a...

This week on Just This, we’re leveraging synergies (kidding) while laughing about corporate buzzwords — and breaking down Skims’ latest “bush” moment. Did it move the needle or just end up in the feedback loop?

Oh boy, do we have a book for you this week. It’s not banned — but maybe it should be, because this one is taking up way too much space in our brains. We read I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman, and let’s just say it left us… confused, frustrated, and mildly unhinged. Stick around for updates on the great bathroom remodel race, a saga of customer service woes, a man with a tail, and...

Mini episode 3 - it's hectic over here. Deb's closet needs a huge refresh maybe even a stylist calling Jenn G! AND Carey's got some big news. Enjoy.

Buckle up, because we crack ourselves up in this one. This week we’re talking about Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid — not a banned book (and it definitely shouldn’t be). It’s fast, fun, insightful, and full of wonder. Of course, it wouldn’t be an Off the Shelves episode without a dose of real life: sprinkler disasters, a little work talk, and a very belated celebration of our 10th episode… plus...

Welcome to episode two of Just This. No books on the table this time but you know we always have a lot to say! Enjoy.